Coach Guy Boucher expects to use both netminders when the season begins.

Mathieu Garon returns to the Lightning with a healthy groin and a new goalie partner. (AP Photo)

"They're both going to get a lot of ice time," Boucher told the Tampa Bay Times. "I'm not expecting Lindback to come in here and play 65 games. He played 15 games the past two years, so it's not fair to him. It's not fair for the expectations."

Lindback was acquired in June from the Nashville Predators, for whom he was No. 2 to Pekka Rinne for the past two seasons. He appeared in 38 games, going 16-13-2.

Garon provided strong work last season while sharing duties with Dwayne Roloson, but a March 6 groin injury ended his season. He played in 48 games, going 23-16-4 with a 2.85 goals-against average and .901 save percentage.

Garon will not be treated as a backup, Boucher told the website.

Lindback is 24, 10 years younger than well-traveled Garon. He signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract in July.

"We know he's going to be good, but how good we don't know," Boucher said. "That's why Garon is perfect for him. He'll be able to help him with how to manage things. And we know we can put Garon in net and get good results."